Agreed. Just wondering, if Andy does manage to scrape his way to World Number 2, could he technically make a push for World Number 1 @ the Australian Open?

As Novak is defending 2000 points, without a doubt. A reversal (Andy winning, Novak losing in the semis) would be a 2560 point swing.

It's possible, but asking a bit too much. Andy would need to be super consistent between now and then, and that's not really realistic. Only Novak in recent years since Federer's domination in early-mid 2000's has been able to consistently win/go deep in all the Masters/Slams, regularly beating the rest of the top four.

Good point, I guess a steady rise would be better for Andy. Don't want him putting too much pressure on himself mentally and although I think he might win the Australian Open, I have a feeling Nole will be his opponent in the final. Of course reaching the Final for Andy and losing would still be a point gain so I guess it's a positive. These ATP rankings really do confuse me but thankfully since joining the forum I've been able to understand them a little better.

I'm not in a hurry for Andy to make no 1; plenty of time. Let's just enjoy what he's achieved this year and hope he ends on a high note at WTF.

My senitments too Ruthie. Andy's achieved far more this year than anyone expected he would, probably including Andy himself. Let the No.1 ranking come when it will.

And as far as Basel goes, Andy may be down as playing but these things are usually arranged well in advance. With only a week between Shanghai and there it wouldn't surprise me if Andy pulled out nearer the time if he's still feeling the effects of his bronchial infection. Viruses can be pretty draining even in the fittest of people and on top of that there's the long flight time plus recovery from jetlag plus acclimatisation. He's got nothing to lose, so why hammer himself with Paris and the WTF so close?

I'm not in a hurry for Andy to make no 1; plenty of time. Let's just enjoy what he's achieved this year and hope he ends on a high note at WTF.

The last thing he needs is more pressure and expectation. Now he's got the Slam monkey off his back let's actually try and enjoy his matches without all this worry about rankings and whatnot. For me personally I'm not even considering him being number one until the point that it becomes a very realistic shout (ie within 1000 points of top spot).

My senitments too Ruthie. Andy's achieved far more this year than anyone expected he would, probably including Andy himself. Let the No.1 ranking come when it will.

And as far as Basel goes, Andy may be down as playing but these things are usually arranged well in advance. With only a week between Shanghai and there it wouldn't surprise me if Andy pulled out nearer the time if he's still feeling the effects of his bronchial infection. Viruses can be pretty draining even in the fittest of people and on top of that there's the long flight time plus recovery from jetlag plus acclimatisation. He's got nothing to lose, so why hammer himself with Paris and the WTF so close?

Yep. I'd love him to be in top condition for Basel and to win in Federer's own turf, but if he's not at full fitness I don't want to see him risking his health for the WTF. I have faith in Andy and his camp though that they will make the right decision.

Indeed. He has to win a lot matches which is not impossible and also depends on how well Federer performs.

That is the actual problem. Andy winning the matches is fine but in order to become no.2, Roger has to stop getting points, which I think is not possible no matter how pathetically he plays..does Roger lose points if he loses the WTF?

That is the actual problem. Andy winning the matches is fine but in order to become no.2, Roger has to stop getting points, which I think is not possible no matter how pathetically he plays..does Roger lose points if he loses the WTF?

He's defending 500 at Basel, 1000 at Paris and 1500 at WTF, so unless he wins all three again he will lose points.